LETTER: Fighting for St. Joseph School

I am writing as a concerned parent to ask for your help this holiday season for the children of St. Joseph School in Kingston. Once again the Archdiocese of New York is threatening to close our local school.

Before coming to St. Joseph, my son Anthony attended St. Augustine in Highland. He went from kindergarten up into fifth grade and then was told his school was shutting down. This was heartbreaking for him and his classmates. They grew up together and now were being torn apart by these people who obviously care more about their pockets than the children, teachers, and parents they are truly affecting.

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My husband and I chose St. Joseph and we are so happy we did. Mrs. Dolamore, the principal, is wonderful and welcomed us with open arms. The teachers are amazing and truly care about the children and their learning. My son is high honors because these teachers push him to be the best he can be and have faith in him and all their students.

I refuse to give up and I will fight not only for these kids but for my faith. Instead of gold and diamond encrusted chalices, how about a wooden cup, as Jesus drank out of? How about the priests, cardinals and higher-ups giving up the finer things in life and doing what Jesus did, sacrifice?

God has always told us in any faith to love and protect the children. I plan on protecting them as best I can.

Our religion is not based on material things; it is based on faith, understanding and helping those around us that need it.

St. Joseph is an incredible school and I think Cardinal Dolan and Superintendent McNiff should take time out of their busy schedules to visit the children and see what an amazing family St. Joseph is. I can't imagine the sadness these children will feel when once again their hearts get broken because of a selfish choice our Archdiocese is making.

I need the community's help, the newspaper's help, the media's help with this. We are doing this for our children because they are what is important and deserve the happiness of being with good friends and truly good learning from teachers who care and sacrifice.

St. Joseph is a family and as a family we will fight to the very end in protecting our children and making sure that this school remains open.